The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufactures of America, the drug lobby’s trade association, gave more than $9 million to politically active 501(c)(4) groups during the 2010 election season. (iWatch News)

The major political committees focused on Governors follow state, not federal, campaign finance rules. They are registered as 527 groups and can actively solicit donations from corporate interests. (National Journal)

Democratic lobbyists, who are barred from raising money for President Obama’s campaign, are not jumping to donate to Priorities USA, the super PAC supporting the president. (The Hill)

Government

The Senate may take up a version of the STOCK act passed by the house. Both chambers recently passed similar legislation, but no moves have been made to reconcile differences between the two versions. (Politico)

A battle may be brewing over the issue of “open access” to government funded scientific research. But, neither opponents or proponents of the issue in Congress are itching for a fight and it appears more likely that a compromise will be negotiated. (New York Times)